Steering device for a vehicle and vehicle equipped with such a steering device

Abstract

A steering device for a vehicle has a handle element for steering the device by hand, a lever element for transmitting a torque to a steering spindle of the vehicle in order to steer the steering spindle, and a coupling device for force-converting coupling between the handle element and the lever element in order to convert a steering movement performed on the handle element into a rotational movement of the lever element with respect to a steering angle of the steering spindle. The handle element is rotatably supported relative to the lever element. The coupling device is designed to convert the rotational movement of the lever element occurring in the steering movement into a translational movement of a coupling element of the coupling device and to subsequently convert the translational movement back into a rotational movement of the handle element relative to the lever element in such a way that the coupling element is connected to a guide portion in a forced guiding sense during its translational movement in such a way that the geometry of the guide portion defines the geometry of the rotational movement of the handle element relative to the steering angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle and a vehicle equipped with such a steering system for maneuvering the vehicle, particularly a dual-wheel-track land vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For the purpose of driver-controlled operation of the steering system of a vehicle, especially a land vehicle (e.g., a car) and a water vehicle (e.g., a motorboat and a ship), various steering devices are known that are rotatably supported around the steering column, including, in particular, the so-called steering wheel or steering horn.

[0003] WO2018 / 114136A1 discloses a steering device with an alternative structure to a steering wheel and a turn signal horn. This patent document discloses a steering device for a vehicle as an alternative to a steering wheel, having a lateral element rotatably mounted in the vehicle about a steering axis, and at least one steering unit on at least one side of the lateral element. The steering unit has a handle for operating the steering device and an intermediate member connecting the handle to the lateral element, wherein the intermediate member is arranged on the lateral element to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and the rotation axis is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the steering axis. In particular, in this steering device, the steering unit may include a drive mechanism for rotating the intermediate member about the rotation axis, wherein this rotation is achieved, in particular, by means of an electric motor or a specialized mechanical device, specifically such that, when operating the steering device, as the lateral element rotates about the steering axis, the orientation of the steering unit in space remains constant based on the relative rotation between the steering unit and the lateral element caused by the electric motor or specialized mechanical device.

[0004] Such a steering device may in particular have two steering units arranged on one side of the lateral element, which are configured to be grasped by the other hand of the human driver when the steering device is operated and to move in the sense of steering movement in order to put the lateral element in rotation.

[0005] However, due to human body shape, in such steering movements, the position, and especially the orientation, of each of one or more steering units of this steering device are not all equally ergonomic. Here, the ergonomics of a specific position of the steering unit in space can be altered, particularly according to the steering angle. A poorly ergonomic grip may restrict the driver's ability to move or even cause the driver to at least temporarily release the steering unit. This can then be particularly relevant when the steering movement involves more than one full rotation, such as when the steering system is strongly "yawing". Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to improve the operability and ergonomics of a steering system having at least one handle element configured for gripping with one hand for operating the steering system. In particular, it is desirable to further improve the operability and ergonomics of the steering system with the aforementioned structural form in WO2018 / 114136A1.

[0007] The solution to this task is achieved according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle, particularly for a land vehicle, such as a two-wheeled land vehicle, or for a water vehicle, such as a small boat or ship. The steering device comprises: (i) a handle element for operation by the driver of the vehicle; (ii) a lever element, particularly a lateral element, or a steering beam or steering wheel, for transmitting torque to the steering shaft of the steering column of the vehicle to steer the vehicle; and (iii) a coupling device for achieving a force conversion coupling between the handle element and the lever element, so as to convert steering movements, particularly rotational movements, performed on the handle element into rotational movements of the lever element at a steering angle relative to the steering shaft.

[0009] The handle element is rotatably supported relative to the lever element. The coupling device is configured to convert the rotational motion of the lever element during the steering motion into a translational motion of the coupling element of the coupling device, and to subsequently convert this translational motion back into rotational motion of the handle element relative to the lever element, such that the coupling element is operatively connected to the guide portion in a forced guiding sense during its translational motion, such that the geometry of the guide portion defines the direction of the rotational motion of the handle element in relation to the steering angle. The guide portion may in particular have a slot, tab, or groove, the geometry of which defines the geometry of the guide portion.

[0010] In the context of this invention, "steering device" can be understood in particular as a device configured to cooperate with the rotation axis or shaft (steering shaft) of the steering column of a vehicle, so as to apply torque thereon and thereby rotate the rotation axis or shaft and thus operate the steering system of the vehicle coupled thereto. In particular, the steering device with a steering wheel and steering horn, as well as the steering device without a steering wheel and steering horn, from the aforementioned publication WO2018 / 114136A1, are steering devices in the context of this invention.

[0011] In this invention, a "handle element" can be understood as a physical structure configured for gripping by the driver of a vehicle to operate the steering mechanism and for moving in space in the sense of steering motion. Specifically, the handle and steering unit mentioned in the aforementioned publication WO2018 / 114136A1 are handle elements in this invention.

[0012] In the context of this invention, a "lever element" can be understood as a physical structure capable of functioning as a force converter and transmitting torque applied via one or more handle elements coupled to the lever element to the rotation axis (steering shaft) of the vehicle's steering column, thereby rotating the rotation axis and thus manipulating the vehicle's steering system coupled to the steering shaft. The shape of the lever element can be arbitrarily chosen under the aforementioned conditions, however, its shape as a particularly rod-shaped or beam-shaped lateral element (e.g., a steering beam) is advantageous due to its small structural space requirements.

[0013] In the sense of this invention, "coupling device" can be understood in particular as a force conversion device configured to, on the one hand, couple a steering motion, especially a rotational motion, performed on the handle element by the driver of the vehicle to a lever element so that the lever element rotates by a steering angle relative to the steering axis, and on the other hand, convert the rotational motion of the lever element into a motion of a converter element, which directly or indirectly causes the rotational motion of the handle element relative to the lever element through another force conversion device.

[0014] "Rotation (noun)," "rotation (verb)," "rotating / alternative (adjective or adverb)," and their related variations always refer to rotation in the sense of rotation of the rotating component. Therefore, rotation of the first component relative to the second component means that the first component rotates relative to a reference frame defined by the second component (based on said reference frame).

[0015] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” “with,” or any other variations thereof, used where necessary above, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a series of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the method or apparatus.

[0016] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive "or," not an exclusive "or." For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0017] As used herein, the term “a” or “an” is defined in the sense of “one or more”. The terms “other” and “additional”, and each of their other variations, are understood in the sense of “at least one additional”.

[0018] As used in this article, the term “multiple” should be understood to mean “two or more”.

[0019] The aforementioned steering mechanism causes feedback to the handlebar element when the steering mechanism is operated (whereby the lever element rotates the steering shaft based on the corresponding steering movement), such that the orientation of the handlebar element is set according to the geometry of the guide. Therefore, in particular, the orientation of the handlebar element relative to the axis of rotation of the handlebar element can be induced in a steering angle-dependent manner through a predetermined arrangement of the geometry of the guide. Thus, in the steering mechanism described, particularly with respect to publication WO2018 / 114136A1 (where the orientation of the handlebar element remains constant), a corresponding design of the guide's orientation allows for a steering angle-dependent orientation of the handlebar element. This can be used to improve ergonomics and thus the user-friendliness of the steering mechanism.

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the steering device are described below. Unless explicitly excluded or technically impossible, the embodiments can be combined with each other and with the second aspect of the invention as described elsewhere.

[0021] In some embodiments, the coupling device includes: (i) a converter element rotatably supported relative to a lever element about a rotation axis; (ii) a lead screw with threads extending along a lead screw axis, which is in a torsionally connected relationship with the lever element and is at least segmentally surrounded by the converter element; and (iii) a coupling element rotatable about the lead screw, the coupling element being configured to mechanically couple the lead screw to the converter element such that, in the event of rotational movement of the lead screw relative to the coupling element caused by rotation of the lever element, the coupling element is translated along the lead screw axis by means of the threads of the lead screw and here cooperates in a forced guiding sense with a guide provided on or in the lead screw or the converter element. This causes a movement of the converter element defined by the geometry of the guide, the movement having either rotation of the converter element about the rotation axis or translation of the converter element orthogonal to the rotation axis. Additionally, the coupling device is also configured to transmit the movement of the converter element to a handle element, thereby causing the handle element to rotate relative to the lead screw.

[0022] The coupling element can be, in particular, a body with an internal thread that engages with the external thread of the lead screw.

[0023] In these embodiments, the desired rotation of the handle element is achieved in a simple, highly reliable, robust, and deterministic mechanical manner: the rotational motion of the lead screw is converted into the translational motion of the coupling element, which is then modulated by the guide or modulates the motion of the converter element having the guide. The modulated motion of the coupling element or converter element is then converted into a correspondingly modulated rotational motion of the handle element. In essence, the guide's special shape is used for the translational motion of the coupling element to define the modulation of the rotational motion of the handle element.

[0024] In some of these embodiments, the geometry of the guide is designed such that the corresponding directions of rotation or translation of the converter element defined therefrom alternate at least segmentally, which can be particularly wave-like. Here, the guide's orientation can be designed such that the resulting alternating motion alternates according to the steering angle of the lever element, such that, in each steering angle, the offset of the handle element relative to the non-offset stationary position (turning in a straight position) that occurs at zero steering angle is at most 100°, preferably at most 90°. The advantage of this alternating modulation, and especially the aforementioned offset limitation, is that, even at large steering angles exceeding 180°, and especially exceeding 360°, the driver of the vehicle must always turn their hand within a single angular range, which, based on human anatomy, can be achieved essentially solely by hand rotation using the forearm, while the shoulder and upper arm can thus remain at least largely in their initial position. This improves the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the steering mechanism.

[0025] The rotational or translational movement of the converter element can be at least segmented and alternating, and may be at least segmentally aperiodic. Segmentally aperiodic movement can be particularly used to design the rotation angle of the handle element relative to the lever element based on the steering angle, thereby causing different rotational characteristics of the handle element at steering angles below the limit angle when rotating beyond, for example, 360° (or other predetermined limit angles defining the start of the aperiodic movement). In this way, additional feedback can be provided to the driver of the vehicle regarding the current steering angle or steering angle range.

[0026] In some embodiments, the steering mechanism further includes a hollow shaft that at least partially surrounds the converter element and is coupled to a coupling element in a torsion-resistant manner. This coupling can be achieved, in particular, by using a guide structure on the hollow shaft configured for this purpose, with the coupling element cooperating with the guide structure. This guide structure can be obtained, in particular, by means of a tab, slot, or groove on the hollow shaft, along which the coupling element is forcibly guided during its translational movement. For this purpose, the coupling element can particularly have sections, for example, pins or protrusions as guides in the case of slots or grooves, or, in the case of tabs, U-shaped guide sections that cooperate with the guides to achieve forced guidance.

[0027] In some embodiments of the hollow shaft, the steering device also includes an orienting device configured to apply torque to the hollow shaft so that when the steering device is mounted on the steering shaft of the steering column of the vehicle, the hollow shaft rotates relative to the lever element in a direction opposite to the steering angle as the lever element rotates at the steering angle, such that the rotation of the hollow shaft caused by the orienting device and the rotation of the hollow shaft caused by the rotation of the lever element about the steering shaft at least substantially compensate for each other. Therefore, the orientation of the hollow shaft in the space or vehicle is at least substantially maintained during steering while the lever element rotates, and the handle element rotates relative to it according to modulation.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the directional device may in particular have a gear that engages with the outer teeth of the hollow shaft to transmit the torque that can be applied to the hollow shaft by the directional device, or the torque applied during operation, to the hollow shaft. The gear may also be coupled, particularly by means of a transmission mechanism, to a section of the steering device that does not move together with the lever element during the steering process.

[0029] In order to transmit torque, the external teeth of gears and hollow shafts can be replaced by torque coupling devices with the same function, such as belts or multi-joints.

[0030] In some embodiments, the steering device also has a housing in which the converter element is rotatably supported, wherein the housing is torsionally connected to or integrally constructed with the lead screw and / or lever element. The housing may in particular be configured to completely or partially cover the lead screw and provide particularly rotatable support for the converter element or hollow shaft.

[0031] In some embodiments, the converter element has a sleeve that at least partially surrounds the lead screw and the coupling element, and in particular, the sleeve can be constructed integrally. An advantage associated with this is that the sleeve form can simultaneously serve as protection for the lead screw against external influences, particularly mechanical forces, and especially interference or impurities. However, the sleeve form is particularly advantageous in the first set of embodiments, wherein the guide is constructed as a groove, such as a slot or groove, in the sleeve, which cooperates with the section of the coupling element that serves as a slider in the sense of a groove guide, such that during its translational movement along the lead screw, the coupling element causes the converter element to be placed in rotational motion about the axis of rotation according to the geometry of the guide, thereby rotating the converter element to a rotational position relative to the axis of rotation corresponding to the current position of the slider in the groove.

[0032] Furthermore, in some variations of this embodiment, the hollow shaft and the coupling element are anti-torsional coupled in such a way that the slider engages with a guide structure constructed in or on the hollow shaft in a further forced guiding sense. The guide structure is designed such that the slider can translate accordingly within the range of this further forced guiding of the coupling element's translational movement along the lead screw, but cannot rotate relative to the hollow shaft. In particular, the groove can be constructed as a slot, and a section of the coupling element is formed as a slider that fits into and passes through the slot, thereby allowing the slider to engage with the guide structure constructed on the hollow shaft, for example, a groove constructed on the inner wall of the hollow shaft, at its distal end in a further forced guiding sense.

[0033] This suggests that a feasible solution to be implemented without high additional costs is to achieve relative rotational motion between the lead screw and the coupling element, so that during the rotation of the lead screw relative to the coupling element, the coupling element is caused to translate forward along the direction of the lead screw due to the action of the screw thread on the coupling element.

[0034] In some embodiments, the handle element is rotatably coupled to the converter element, particularly in a torsion-resistant manner or integrally constructed with the converter element, such that rotation of the converter element about a rotation axis results in a corresponding rotation of the handle element. In this way, the rotational motion of the converter element caused by the modulated translational motion of the coupled element is converted into a correspondingly modulated rotational motion of the handle element.

[0035] In the second set of embodiments, the guidance for the coupling elements is given at least partially by the thread of the lead screw. Furthermore, the coupling element has one or more sensing elements, particularly pins, which are respectively engaged in the thread of the screw, so that the coupling element interacts with the screw in a forced guiding sense as the lead screw axis rotates. The thread of the screw has a depth that varies along the lead screw axis, thereby causing the converter element to translate in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation during the translational movement of the coupling element along the lead screw axis driven by the lead screw. This orthogonal direction is defined (and thus modulated) by the continuously varying depth of the thread along the lead screw axis.

[0036] In some of these embodiments, the hollow shaft is coupled to the converter element by means of a direct or indirect form-locking connection, such that the form-locking connection allows the converter element to translate in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation, but does not allow the converter element to rotate relative to the hollow shaft about the axis of rotation. This is particularly possible due to the molding structure itself on the hollow shaft, with which the converter element cooperates. The molding structure can be, for example, a flat guide surface that mechanically cooperates with a guide surface of the converter element parallel to that guide surface to prevent possible tilting of the two guide surfaces relative to each other.

[0037] In some of these embodiments, a sliding layer is also provided, which is arranged between the hollow shaft and the converter element and is adapted to reduce frictional resistance between the hollow shaft and the converter element during translational movement of the converter element relative to the hollow shaft. In addition to the positive effect of reduced friction on the flexibility of rotation of the handle element, this has the additional advantage of reducing or even avoiding wear that may lead to failure over time.

[0038] In some embodiments, the handle element is rotatably supported relative to the converter element and coupled to the converter element via a transmission element, such that the transmission element transmits the orthogonal translational motion of the converter element to the handle element, thereby applying torque to the handle element to rotate it to a rotational position along the lead screw corresponding to the current position of the coupled element. According to some variations therein, the transmission element has a rod-shaped rigid body coupled to or part of the converter element to mechanically transmit the orthogonal translational motion of the converter element to the handle element. For this purpose, the rod-shaped body may be eccentrically positioned on the handle element, particularly relative to the rotational axis of the handle element, so that its translational motion is thus converted into torque relative to the handle element and thereby into rotational motion of the handle element.

[0039] In some embodiments, the steering mechanism also has additional handle elements for operation by the driver's (and especially another's) hand, wherein two handle elements are arranged spaced apart from each other on the lever element. The additional handle elements are rotatably coupled to the lever element by means of another coupling device of the same structural form and are rotatably supported relative to the lever element. However, the respective guides of the two coupling devices have different orientations, such that the resulting respective orientations of the respective rotational movements of the two handle elements differ from each other at least within a steering angle range as the lever element rotates about the steering axis. This also allows for handle positions for the two handle elements, wherein the orientation of the handle elements differs in relation to the steering angle. This corresponds to an optimal solution in terms of achievable operability and ergonomics, at least at some steering angles.

[0040] The term "same structural form" can be understood here as two coupling devices being configured based on the same basic working principle. This means that the coupling devices respectively convert the rotational motion of the lever element during steering movement into the translational motion of the coupling element of the corresponding coupling device, and then convert this translational motion back into the rotational motion of the corresponding handle element relative to the lever element in such a way that the corresponding coupling element is connected to the guide in a forced guiding sense during its translational motion, such that the geometry of the guide defines the direction of the rotational motion of the corresponding handle element in relation to the steering angle. The coupling devices need not be constructed identically and may differ in one or more other aspects, not just the orientation of their guides, as long as the above-described working principle is followed.

[0041] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a steering system, the steering system being equipped with a steering device according to the first aspect of the invention for the purpose of steering system operation.

[0042] The features and advantages set forth with respect to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention.

[0043] Further advantages, features, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Here, in the attached diagram:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic overview diagram of a steering device according to different implementation methods;

[0046] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a steering device, particularly a coupling device, together with a handle element according to one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the steering mechanism, especially the coupling mechanism, together with the handle element;

[0048] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of a steering device, particularly a coupling device, along with a handle element according to another embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A perspective view of a section of the coupling device of the steering system in the diagram;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the steering angle correlation of a handle element relative to its corresponding rest position as implemented according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are always used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0052] exist Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the steering device 100 according to the invention is schematically shown. The steering device has a lever element 105 designed as a beam, which is rotatably mounted on the steering shaft 110 of the steering column, so that by means of the rotation of the lever element 105, the vehicle can pass through a steering angle 115 and thereby the steering of the vehicle equipped with the steering device 100, especially the lateral steering, can be manipulated accordingly.

[0053] Handle elements 120 (particularly for the left hand) or 140 (particularly for the right hand) are respectively provided at both ends of the lateral element or lever element 105. The handle elements are shaped such that they can be well gripped by the driver of the vehicle with their respective hands and moved along the track curve about the steering axis 110, so as to apply torque to the lever element 105 coupled thereto in order to set the steering angle 115. One-handed operation, especially temporarily, can also be performed on only one of the handle elements 120 or 140.

[0054] Each handle element 120, 140 is mechanically coupled to the lever element 105 by means of a corresponding coupling device 125 or 145, wherein the coupling devices 125 and 145 are arranged on opposite ends of the lever element 105. Each coupling device 125 and 145 is configured such that, on the one hand, it transmits the rotational movement of the corresponding handle element 120 or 140 about the steering axis 110 of the steering column caused by the driver of the vehicle to the corresponding end of the lever element 105, thereby inducing torque on the lever element; and on the other hand, it causes the corresponding handle element 120 or 140 to rotate relative to its corresponding axis of rotation 130 or 150 with a respective rotation angle 135 or 155. In this way, each handle element 120 or 140 derives a relative rotation angle 115 depending on the steering angle 115. Figure 1 The orientation of the corresponding stationary position shown.

[0055] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary embodiment 200 relating to the steering device 100 (corresponding to the second set of embodiments described above) is shown, with the left handlebar element 120 as an example, illustrating the handlebar element itself and its associated coupling device 125. However, the corresponding structure is also possible for the right handlebar element 140 and its associated coupling device 145, which is particularly advantageous.

[0056] In embodiment 200, the coupling device 125 has a handle base 205 on which the handle element 120 is mounted. This fastening can be achieved, in particular, by means of a screw passing through a screw hole 205a, as shown. Alternatively, the handle element 120 can also be integrally constructed with the handle base 205, in which case the handle element 120 itself is part of the coupling device 125. The handle base 205 is rotatably supported in the housing 215 of the coupling device 125 about a rotation axis 130 by means of bearings, particularly ball bearings 210.

[0057] Furthermore, the hollow shaft 220 is rotatably supported in the housing 215 about a rotation axis 130 by means of a plurality of bearings 225, particularly coaxial with the rotation axis 130. The hollow shaft has external teeth 230, which are accessible from outside the housing 215 and mesh with gears 235 of the orientation device 240. The orientation device 240 is used to maintain the relative orientation of the hollow shaft 220 in space as the lever element 105 rotates with the steering shaft 110, in such a way that the hollow shaft 220 rotates accordingly by means of the gears 235 and the external teeth 230, such that this rotation of the hollow shaft 220 relative to the lever element 105 compensates for the accompanying rotation of the hollow shaft 220 caused by the rotation of the lever element 105. Therefore, the orientation of the hollow shaft corresponds to the orientation of the handle elements 120 and 140 in their respective rest positions, independent of the steering angle 115, as in... Figure 1 As shown (the vertical orientation of the handle area of ​​the handle element).

[0058] A converter element 245 is disposed inside the hollow shaft 220. This converter element is torsionally coupled to the hollow shaft 220, particularly by means of a form-locking connection (e.g., on two parallel planes), but is capable of translational movement relative to the hollow shaft in a direction 270 orthogonal to the axis of rotation 130. A sliding layer 275 may be arranged between the hollow shaft 220 and the converter element to reduce friction during such translational movement. The converter element has a sleeve-shaped section with a cavity 245b therein. A lead screw 255 with (external) threads 260 extends into the cavity 245b. The lead screw 255 is fixedly connected to the housing 215, for example, by means of a screw guided through a screw hole 255a, or even integrally constructed with the housing. The lead screw is spaced apart from the inner wall of cavity 245b such that the converter element 245 can perform translational movement relative to the lead screw 255 along direction 270 in a defined section without contacting the inner wall of cavity 245b.

[0059] Furthermore, the converter element 245 has a second cavity 245a into which a pin-shaped transmission element 250, eccentrically connected to the rotation axis 130 and fixedly connected to the handle base 205, extends. The shape of the second cavity 245a is such that the translational movement of the converter element 245 along the direction 270 is transmitted to the transmission element 250, thereby applying torque to the handle base and simultaneously to the handle element 120 fixedly connected to the handle base based on its eccentric coupling on the handle base 205. Thus, the handle base 205 and the handle element 120 undergo rotational movements in their supports 210 corresponding to the movement of the transmission element 250, and here, in particular, change the orientation of the handle element 120 relative to the lever element 105 in a manner that is particularly in the manner of emerging from a rest position.

[0060] The thread of the lead screw 255 has a varying depth. A coupling element 265 is embedded in the thread, which in this example has two sensing elements, each embedded in the thread of the lead screw 255 and thus forcibly guided not only in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 130 but also in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation 270 via the thread serving as a guide.

[0061] Therefore, if torque is now applied to lever element 105 by means of handle element 120 during steering, causing lever element to rotate together with steering column shaft 110, then lead screw 255, anti-torsionally coupled to lever element 105, also rotates relative to hollow shaft 220 and converter element 245, which is anti-torsionally connected thereto, the hollow shaft being held constant in its orientation by means of orienting device 240. This also generates rotational movement of lead screw 255 relative to sensing elements of coupling element 265, whereby these sensing elements, within the aforementioned forced guidance range, move on one hand along a direction parallel to rotation axis 130 and on the other hand along a direction 270 perpendicular to it due to the action of the threads, and transmit said movement to converter element 245.

[0062] The variable depth of the thread of the lead screw 255 thus modulates the translational movement of the converter element 245 relative to the hollow shaft 220 along direction 270 via the sensing element of the coupling element 265. This translational movement is then coupled to the handle base 205 and thus to the handle element 120 via the transmission element 250 as described in detail above, thereby causing it to rotate in response to the modulation. Thus, the rotational position of the handle element 120 relative to the steering angle 115 is obtained overall, both relative to the lever element 105 and to the hollow shaft 220, and therefore in space or within the vehicle itself.

[0063] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Another exemplary embodiment 300 relating to the steering device 100 (corresponding to the first set of embodiments described above). Figure 3A Take the left handle element 120 and its associated coupling device 125 as an example. Figure 3B A portion of the coupling device 125 is shown in even greater detail. However, the corresponding configuration is also possible for the right handle element 140 and its associated coupling device 145, which is particularly advantageous.

[0064] In embodiment 300, the coupling device 125 has a housing 305 in which a hollow shaft 310 is arranged and a converter element 325 is coaxially arranged in the internal space of the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft 310 is rotatably supported in the housing 305, particularly by means of bearings 315. The converter element 325 is in turn rotatably supported relative to the hollow shaft 310 and the housing 305. All these rotations involve a common axis of rotation 335, which coincides in particular with the axis of rotation 130 of the handle element 120.

[0065] The hollow shaft 310 has an external toothed portion 320 that is accessible from outside the housing 305 and engages with a gear (not shown) of an orientation device (not shown). The orientation device can be constructed in particular to correspond to the orientation device 240 of embodiment 200. The orientation device is used to maintain the relative orientation of the hollow shaft 310 in a space in which the lever element 105 rotates with the steering shaft 110, in which the hollow shaft rotates accordingly by means of the gear and the external toothed portion, such that this rotation of the hollow shaft relative to the lever element 105 compensates for the accompanying rotation of the hollow shaft 310 caused by the rotation of the lever element 105. Therefore, the orientation of the hollow shaft corresponds to the orientation of the handle elements 120 and 140 in their respective rest positions, independent of the steering angle 115, as they are in… Figure 1 As shown in the diagram (vertical orientation of the handle area of ​​the handle element).

[0066] The converter element 325 has a sleeve-shaped section with a cavity 325b therein. A lead screw 330 with (external) threads extends into the cavity 325b. The lead screw 330 is fixedly connected to the housing 305 or even integrally constructed with the housing. In the wall of the sleeve-shaped section of the converter element 325, one or more grooves 325a for the guide section are constructed in the form of continuous, wavy slits, the respective longitudinal orientation of which extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 335.

[0067] Furthermore, the coupling device 125 has a coupling element 340, which is specifically constructed as a body with internal threads, preferably a screw nut adapted to the threads of a lead screw. A corresponding guide pin 345 is constructed on each groove 325a of the coupling element 340, which acts as a slider in the sense of a groove guide relative to its respective groove 325a. For this purpose, the guide force 345 extends through the respective gaps of the groove 325a and has a sliding element 350 at its end outside the converter element. This sliding element is fitted into a linear guide structure 310a in the form of a groove constructed on the inner wall of the hollow shaft 315, and can run smoothly along both sides under forced guidance simultaneously perpendicular to the corresponding movement of the coupling element 340. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sliding elements 350 with their respective guide structures, separate from the sliders 345, may also be provided in or on the hollow shaft 310. Figure 3B An example of this is shown in the image.

[0068] Therefore, if torque is now applied to lever element 105 by means of handle element 120 during steering, causing lever element to rotate together with steering shaft 110 of steering column, lead screw 330, anti-torsionally coupled to lever element 105, also rotates relative to hollow shaft 310, which is held constant in its orientation by means of an orienting device. Thus, the coupling element, held anti-torsionally relative to hollow shaft 310 by means of slider 345 and sliding element 350 running linearly in groove 310a, is driven translationally along translational direction 360 by the action of the rotating thread of lead screw on its internal thread. In this translational movement, each slider 345 passes through its corresponding groove 325a in the wall of converter element 325, thereby applying torque about rotation axis 335 to converter element according to the geometry of its corresponding groove 325a, so that converter element rotates corresponding to the (geometric) orientation of its corresponding groove 325a. The geometric orientations of the different slides correspond to each other, such that all these slides define the same rotational motion of the converter element 325. The handle element 120 is rigidly coupled to or integrally constructed with the converter element 325, such that the rotation of the converter element 325 is transmitted to the handle element 120.

[0069] Therefore, the (identical) geometric orientation of the grooves 325a (or even a single groove) modulates the rotational movement of the converter element and the handle element 120 through their cooperation with the forced guidance of the slider 345. Thus, the overall rotational position of the handle element 120 relative to the steering angle 115 is obtained, that is, its rotational position relative to the lever element 105 on the one hand and to the hollow shaft 310 on the other hand, and thus its rotational position in space or within the vehicle itself.

[0070] According to Figures 1 to 3B In the steering mechanism, the corresponding coupling devices 125, 145 of each handle element 120 or 140 are thus configured to convert the rotational motion of the lever element 105 about the steering axis 110 during steering movement into a translational motion of the corresponding coupling element 265 along the direction 270 or 360 of the coupling element 340 of the coupling device 125 or the coupling element 340 of the coupling device 145, and in such a way that this translational motion is subsequently converted back into the rotational motion of the handle element 120 or 140 relative to the lever element 105, such that the coupling element 265 or 340 is in a forced guiding sense of being operatively connected to the guide portion 260 or 325a during its translational motion, such that the geometry of the guide portion 260 or 325a defines the direction of the rotational motion of the handle element 120 or 140 in relation to the steering angle.

[0071] Figure 4 Example 400 schematically illustrates the steering angle correlation between the rotation angle 135 or 155 of the handle element 120 or 140 relative to its respective rest position (e.g., in the case of a steering angle of 0° 115°), which is particularly feasible by means of the aforementioned steering device according to different embodiments. The direction of the rotation angle variation related to the steering angle can also be particularly evident for both handle elements 120 or 140, as exemplarily shown in… Figure 4 The different shapes shown in the diagram allow for individual, particularly ergonomically optimized, rotation angle variations for each handle element 120 or 140, or for each hand. Although Figure 4 Only a complete 360° rotation with a steering angle of 115 is shown. The steering angle is not necessarily limited to a complete rotation or a rotation less than a complete rotation, but can exceed that complete rotation or even include several complete rotations. Here, the steering angle variation curve can even be designed differently for continuous turns, so that the rotation angle 135 or 155 of the steering angle α can be different from the rotation angle of steering angle α + 360°. This can be achieved by constructing the guide section 260 or 325a accordingly.

[0072] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that numerous variations therein exist. It should also be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description is intended to provide guidance to those skilled in the art for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein it should be understood that various changes can be made to the operation and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the subject matter set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0073] List of reference numerals

[0074] 100 Steering System

[0075] 105 lever element, or lateral element

[0076] 110 steering column steering shaft

[0077] 115 steering angle

[0078] 120 (first or left) handle component

[0079] 125 is a coupling device for handle element 120.

[0080] 130 is used for the rotation axis of handle element 120

[0081] 135 handle element 120 rotation angle

[0082] 140 (second or right) handle element

[0083] 145 is a coupling device for handle element 145.

[0084] 150 is used for the rotation axis of handle element 145.

[0085] 155 handle element 120 rotation angle

[0086] Partial view of the first embodiment of the 200 steering device 100

[0087] 205 handle base

[0088] 205a screw hole

[0089] 210 Handle base bearing

[0090] 215 housing

[0091] 220 hollow shaft

[0092] 225 hollow shaft bearing

[0093] 230 hollow shaft external gear section

[0094] 235 gear

[0095] 240 Orientation Device (Partial)

[0096] 245 converter components

[0097] 245a is a cavity for accommodating a transmission element.

[0098] 245b is a hollow cavity used to house the lead screw.

[0099] 250 transmission elements

[0100] 255 lead screw

[0101] 255a screw hole

[0102] 260 guide section, which is also a threaded section with a threaded line.

[0103] 265 Coupler with a detection element

[0104] The translation direction is 270°, orthogonal to the rotation axis by 130°.

[0105] 275 sliding layer

[0106] Partial view of the second embodiment of the 300 steering device 100

[0107] 305 housing

[0108] 310 hollow shaft

[0109] 310a is a guide structure (groove) for the slider in the hollow shaft 310.

[0110] 315 hollow shaft bearing

[0111] 320 hollow shaft external gear section

[0112] 325 converter element, also a sleeve

[0113] 325a (one or more) guide sections in the form of grooves

[0114] 325b cavity

[0115] 330 lead screw

[0116] Rotation axis of 335 lead screw and converter components

[0117] 340 coupling elements, especially lead screws and nuts

[0118] 345 slider

[0119] 350 sliding element

[0120] 355 bearings for handle components

[0121] 360-degree panning direction

[0122] 400. Exemplary steering angle characteristics related to steering angle.

Claims

1. A steering device (100; 200; 300) for a transport vehicle, comprising: Handle element (120) for operating the steering mechanism (100; 200; 300) by the driver of the vehicle. A lever element (105) for transmitting torque to the steering shaft (110) of the steering column of the vehicle to steer the vehicle; and A coupling device (125) is used to realize a force conversion coupling between a handle element (120) and a lever element, so as to convert a steering motion performed on the handle element (120) at a steering angle (115) relative to the steering axis into a rotational motion of the lever element (105). in, The handle element (120) is rotatably supported relative to the lever element (105); and The coupling device (125) is configured to convert the rotational motion of the lever element (105) during the steering motion into a translational motion of the coupling element (265; 340) of the coupling device (125), and to convert the translational motion back into the rotational motion of the handle element relative to the lever element (105) in such a way that the coupling element is connected to the guide (260) in a forced guiding sense during its translational motion, such that the geometry of the guide (260) defines the direction of the rotational motion of the handle element in relation to the steering angle, the translational motion of the coupling element (265; 340) is modulated by the guide and the modulated motion of the coupling element (265; 340) is then converted into a correspondingly modulated rotational motion of the handle element.

2. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling device (125) has: A converter element rotatably supported relative to the lever element (105) about a rotation axis (130, 335); A lead screw (255; 330) is in a torsionally connected relationship with the lever element (105) and is at least segmentally surrounded by the converter element (245; 325), the lead screw having a thread extending along the lead screw axis; as well as A coupling element rotatable about the lead screw (255; 330) is configured to mechanically couple the lead screw (255; 330) to the converter element (245; 325) such that, when the rotation of the lead screw (255; 330) relative to the coupling element is caused by the rotation of the lever element (105), the coupling element is driven translationally along the lead screw axis by means of the thread of the lead screw (255; 330) and at this time cooperates with a guide (260) disposed on or in the lead screw (255; 330) or the converter element (245; 325) in a forced guiding sense, thereby causing a movement of the converter element defined by the geometry of the guide (260), the movement having either a rotation of the converter element about the rotation axis (130) or a translation of the converter element orthogonal to the rotation axis (130); The coupling device (125) is further configured to transmit the motion of the converter element to the handle element (120), thereby causing the handle element (120) to rotate relative to the lead screw (255; 330).

3. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to claim 2, wherein, The geometry of the guide (260) is designed such that the corresponding directions of rotation or translation of the converter element defined by the geometry are at least segmentally alternating.

4. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to claim 3, wherein, The rotation or translation of the converter element is at least segmentally alternating in direction and is at least segmentally non-periodic.

5. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the steering device further comprises a hollow shaft (220; 310) that at least partially surrounds the converter element (245; 325) and is torsionally coupled to the coupling element.

6. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to claim 5, further comprising an orienting device configured to apply torque to the hollow shaft (220; 310) such that when the steering device (100; 200; 300) is mounted to the steering shaft (110) of the steering column of the vehicle, the hollow shaft (220; 310) rotates relative to the lever element (105) in a direction opposite to the rotation of the lever element (105) relative to the steering shaft at a steering angle (115), such that the rotation of the hollow shaft (220; 310) caused by the orienting device and the rotation of the hollow shaft (220; 310) caused by the rotation of the lever element (105) about the steering shaft (110) via the lever element (105) mutually compensate each other.

7. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to claim 6, wherein, The orientation device has a gear (235) that engages with the external teeth (230; 320) of the hollow shaft (220; 310) to transmit torque that can be applied to the hollow shaft (220; 310) by the orientation device to the hollow shaft (220; 310).

8. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the steering device further comprises a housing (215; 305), the converter element (245; 325) being rotatably supported relative to the housing, wherein, The housing (215; 305) is torsionally connected to the lead screw (255; 330) and the lever element (105) or integrally constructed with the lead screw (255; 330) and / or the lever element (105).

9. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The converter element (245; 325) has a sleeve that at least partially surrounds the lead screw (255; 330) and the coupling element.

10. The steering device (100; 300) according to claim 9, wherein, The guide (260) is configured as a groove (325a) in the sleeve, which, in the sense of a guide, cooperates with the section of the coupling element (340) that serves as a slider (345) such that the coupling element (340), as it translates along the lead screw (330), places the converter element (325) in a rotational motion about the axis of rotation (335) according to the geometry of the guide, so that the converter element (325) is rotated relative to the axis of rotation (335) to a rotational position corresponding to the current position of the slider (345) in the groove (325a).

11. The steering device (100; 300) according to claim 10, wherein, The steering device further comprises a hollow shaft (220; 310) that at least partially surrounds the converter element (245; 325) and is torsionally coupled to the coupling element by means of a slider (345) engaging with a guide structure (310a) constructed in or above the hollow shaft (310). The hollow shaft (310) is torsionally coupled to the coupling element (340) in a further forced guiding sense, the guide structure being oriented such that the slider (345) can translate accordingly within the range of this further forced guiding of the translational movement of the coupling element (340) along the lead screw (330), but cannot rotate relative to the hollow shaft (310).

12. The steering device (100; 300) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The handle element (120) is rotatably coupled to the converter element (325), such that rotation of the converter element (325) about the rotation axis (335) causes a corresponding rotation of the handle element (120).

13. The steering device (100; 200) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The guide (260) for the coupling element (265) is given at least partially by the thread of the lead screw (255); The coupling element (265) has one or more detection elements that are respectively embedded in the thread of the thread, so that the coupling element (265) interacts with the thread in a forced guiding sense when the screw axis rotates; The thread has a depth that varies along the axis of the lead screw, thereby causing the converter element (245) to translate in a direction (270) orthogonal to the axis of rotation (130) when the coupling element (265) is driven by the lead screw (255) to translate along the axis of the lead screw. The orthogonal direction is defined by the depth of the thread that varies continuously along the axis of the lead screw at this time.

14. The steering device (100; 200) according to claim 13, wherein, The steering device further includes a hollow shaft (220; 310) that at least partially surrounds the converter element (245; 325) and is torsionally coupled to the coupling element. The hollow shaft (220) is coupled to the converter element (245) by means of a direct or indirect form-locking connection such that the form-locking connection allows the converter element (245) to translate in a direction (270) orthogonal to the axis of rotation (130), but does not allow the converter element (245) to rotate relative to the hollow shaft (220) about the axis of rotation (130).

15. The steering device (100; 200) according to claim 14, the steering device further having a sliding layer (275) disposed between the hollow shaft (220) and the converter element (245), and the sliding layer being adapted to reduce the frictional resistance between the hollow shaft (220) and the converter element (245) during the translational movement of the converter element (245) relative to the hollow shaft (220).

16. The steering device (100; 200) according to claim 13, wherein, The handle element (120) is rotatably supported relative to the converter element (245), and the handle element is coupled to the converter element by means of a transmission element (250) such that the transmission element (250) transmits the translational motion of the converter element (245) orthogonal to the rotation axis (130) to the handle element (120), such that a torque is applied to the handle element (120) at this time so that the handle element rotates to a rotational position corresponding to the current position of the coupling element (265) along the lead screw (255).

17. The steering device (100; 200) according to claim 16, wherein, The transmission element (250) has a rod-shaped rigid body coupled to the converter element (245) to cause a mechanical transmission of a translational motion of the converter element (245) orthogonal to the rotation axis (130) onto the handle element (120).

18. The steering device (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The steering mechanism (100; 200; 300) also has an additional handle element (140) for operating the steering mechanism (100; 200; 300) by means of the driver's hand, wherein the handle element (120) and the additional handle element (140) are arranged at intervals on the lever element (105). The additional handle element (140) is rotatably coupled to the lever element (105) by means of another coupling device (145) of the same structural form and is rotatably supported relative to the lever element; and the respective guides of the coupling device (125) and the additional coupling device (145) have different orientations from each other, so that the respective orientations of the rotational movements of the handle element (120) and the additional handle element (140) are different from each other at least within a steering angle range when the lever element (105) rotates about the steering axis (110).

19. A vehicle having a steering system, wherein the steering system is equipped with a steering device (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for operation of the steering system.

Images